Songs of Pain is the first album by folk singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston, recorded on a simple tape recorder and released on Compact Cassette. This is the album's first time being pressed on vinyl. Back in the early 1980s, when the punk-rock DIY spirit was going strong, emerging artists found a cheap and efficient way of distributing their music--the homemade cassette. Sometimes very crude and low-fi, the tapes became a hallmark of instant "indie cred." The erratic, troubled, and startlingly talented Daniel Johnston was one of the first musicians to really make a name for himself in this medium, and his first two tapes, 1980's Songs of Pain and '81's More Songs of Pain make up this collection, re-mixed but retaining their rough edges. The anger and sadness of "An Idiot's End," the wry twist of "Joy Without Pleasure," and the resignation of "More Dead Than Alive" exemplify the genius of his carefully chosen words. His lyrics can sting as well as delight, and his piano playing resonates with emotional depth. Hearing these songs makes one long to hear Beck doing a rendition of "Urge" or Johnny Cash taking on "Wild West Virginia." --Lorry Fleming
Release date:
March 10, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Soft Play Are You Satisfied [2xLP]
Emi Import
September 5, 2025 -
Internal Bleeding Settle All Scores
Maggot Stomp
October 17, 2025 -
Dazzling Killmen Dig Out the Switch (Serpentarium Green)
Skin Graft Records
September 12, 2025 -
White Lies Night Light
Pias America
November 7, 2025 -
Orbit Culture Death Above Life [2xLP]
Century Media
October 3, 2025 -
Daniel O'Donnell Now & Then (Picture)
Demon / Edsel
October 3, 2025 -
Sabaton Legends
Better Noise Music
October 17, 2025 -
Deep Purple Rapture of the Deep (20Th Anniversary; Remix) [3xLP]
Earmusic
August 29, 2025 -
Coach Party Caramel (Light Yellow)
Chess Club
September 26, 2025 -
FM Brotherhood [2xLP]
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
September 5, 2025 -
G Flip Dream Ride
Flipo Music Pty Ltd
September 5, 2025 -
Casey Dienel My Heart Is An Outlaw (Sea Glass) [2xLP]
Jealous Butcher Records
October 17, 2025 -
Howard Jones Dream Into Action: The Farmyard Sessions [2xLP]
Cherry Red
August 22, 2025 -
Glenn Hughes Chosen
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
September 5, 2025